A project to deepen the Port of Hueneme’s harbour will incorporate wharf-stabilising pilings made from recycled plastic bottles.
Currently 35 feet in depth, the harbour will be deepened by another five feet to allow vessels to enter the harbour at times other than high tide, saving time, reducing congestion and improving efficiency.
Hueneme CEO & port director Kristin Decas explained: “Not only will this project create an additional 500+ jobs, it will safeguard our environment. The pilings used in stabilizing the wharf are an ecofriendly alternative made out of recycled plastic bottles.”
She explained that sand removed from the harbour will be added to the local Hueneme beach, to protect it from erosion.
The project is expected to be completed by March 2020. It is largely funded by a US$12.3m TIGER Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) from the US Department of Transportation.
Positive influence
The Port of Hueneme also joined California’s 10 other public seaports to celebrate the second annual California Ports Day on 20 February.
Activities included briefings with state legislators on the role California’s ports play in the state and local economies, the opportunities they can provide for communities, and their leadership in environmental innovation and programmes.
The event also featured the California Maritime Leadership Symposium, which brought together the state’s public ports and other stakeholders, including various state agencies comprising The California Air Resources Board, The California State Transportation Agency, The California Energy Commission, The California Transportation Commission and The California State Lands Commission.
Representing the Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge, said: “This Symposium serves as a brain trust to chart the course for continuing our collective Environmental Sustainability efforts. Collaboratively, our ports have reduced air emissions by 80% (particular matter), 90% (SOx), and 50% (NOx).”
